Older women living in neighborhoods in which they have access to facilities like parks, trails, or shops have considerably higher levels of activity that those who live outside 20 minutes walking distance of such locations.

Researchers from University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (Pennsylvania, USA) found that women who lived within a department, discount, or hardware store averaged 6,808 steps a day, versus 5,015 steps who did not live near such stores. 

Whenever possible, opt to walk to your local market or appointment; or, park centrally to your errand locations and walk between each.